GOTHIC

ARCHITECTURE
Represented by: EL MANSORI Nouhaila
TABLE OF
CONTENTES
I. History and Development of Gothic Architecture

II. Key Characteristics of Gothic Architecture

III. Classic Gothic Style And Gothic Architecture, Examples

IV. Conclusion
1)- HISTORY
AND
DEVELOPMENT  Three phases of Gothic architectural design can be

OF GOTHIC distinguished: Early, High, and Late Gothic.

ARCHITECTUR
E
EARLY GOTHIC (1120-1200)
 The fusion of all the above mentioned structural elements into a coherent style of architecture occurred first
in the Ile-de-France (the region around Paris), whose prosperous inhabitants had sufficient resources to build
the great cathedrals that now epitomize Gothic architecture. The earliest surviving Gothic structure is the
Abbey of Saint-Denis in Paris, begun in about 1140. Cathedrals with similar vaulting and windows soon
appeared, beginning with Notre-Dame de Paris (c.1163-1345) and Laon Cathedral (c.1112-1215). A series of
four distinct horizontal levels soon evolved: ground-level, then tribune gallery level, then triforium gallery
level, above which was an upper, windowed level called a clerestory. The pattern of columns and arches used
to support and frame these different elevations contributed to the geometry and harmony of the interior.
Window tracery (decorative window dividers) also evolved, together with a diverse range of stained glass.
 The eastern end of the early Gothic cathedral consisted of a semicircular projection called an apse, which
contained the high altar encircled by the ambulatory. The western end - the main entrance to the building -
was much more visually impressive. Typically it had a wide frontage topped by two huge towers, whose
vertical lines were counterbalanced by horizontal lines of monumental doorways (at ground level), above
which were horizontal lines of windows, galleries, sculpture and other stonework. Typically, the long outside
walls of the cathedral were supported by lines of vertical piers connected to the upper part of the wall in the
form of a semi-arch known as a flying buttress. This early style of Gothic architectural design spread across
Europe to Germany, England, the Low Countries, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
HIGH GOTHIC (1200-80)
"RAYONNANT"
 On the Continent, the next phase of Gothic building design is known as Rayonnant Gothic
architecture, whose English equivalent is referred to as "Decorated Gothic". Rayonnant Gothic
architecture was characterized by new arrays of geometrical decoration which grew increasingly
elaborate over time, but hardly any structural improvements. In fact, during the Rayonnant phase,
cathedral architects and masons shifted their attention away from the task of optimizing weight
distribution and building higher walls, and concentrated instead on enhancing the 'look and feel' of
the building. This approach led to the addition of many different decorative features including
pinnacles (upright structures, typically spired, that topped piers, buttresses, or other exterior
elements), moldings, and, notably, window tracery (such as mullions). The most characteristic
feature of the Rayonnant Gothic is the huge circular rose window adorning the west facades of
many churches, such as Strasbourg Cathedral (1015-1439). Other typical characteristics of
Rayonnant architecture include the slimming-down of interior vertical supports and the merging of
the triforium gallery with the clerestory, until walls are largely composed of stained glass with
vertical bars of tracery dividing windows into sections. The foremost examples of the Rayonnant
style include the cathedrals of Reims, Amiens, Bourges and Beauvais.
LATE GOTHIC (1280-1500)
"FLAMBOYANT"
 A third style of Gothic architectural design emerged around 1280. Known as Flamboyant Gothic architecture, it
was even more decorative than Rayonnant, and continued until about 1500. Its equivalent in English Gothic
architecture is the "Perpendicular style". The characteristic feature of Flamboyant Gothic architecture is the
widespread use of a flame-like (French: flambe) S-shaped curve in stone window tracery. In addition, walls were
transformed into one continuous expanse of glass, supported by skeletal uprights and tracery. Geometrical logic
was frequently obscured by covering the exterior with tracery, which overlaid masonry as well as windows,
augmented by complex clusters of gables, pinnacles, lofty porticos, and star patterns of extra ribs in the vaulting.
 The focus on image rather than structural substance may have been influenced by political events in France, after
King Charles IV the Fair died in 1328 without leaving a male heir. This prompted claims from his nearest male
relative, his nephew Edward III of England. When the succession went to Philip VI (1293-1350) of the French
House of Valois, it triggered the start of the Hundred Years War (1337), which led to a reduction in religious
architecture and an increase in the construction of military and civil buildings, both royal and public.
 As a result, Flamboyant Gothic designs are evident in many town halls, guild halls, and even domestic
residences. Few churches or cathedrals were designed entirely in the Flamboyant style, some notable exceptions
being Notre-Dame d'Epine near Chalons-sur-Marne and Saint-Maclou in Rouen. Other important examples
include the north spire of Chartres and the Tour de Beurre at Rouen. In France, Flamboyant Gothic architecture
eventually lost its way - becoming much too ornate and complicated - and was superceded by the classical forms
of Renaissance architecture imported from Italy in the 16th century.
 2)- KEY A. Large Stained-Glass

CHARACTERIST B.
Windows
Pointed Arches

ICS OF GOTHIC C.
D.
Vaulted Ceilings
Flying Buttresses

ARCHITECTUR E. The Gargoyles Of

Gothic Architecture/

E
Ornate Decorations
LARGE STAINED-
GLASS WINDOWS

 Today stained-glass windows are found in some worship places, but

they were initially in Gothic cathedrals, and they featured cut-
colored glass. They were either arched and tall lancet windows or
round rose windows larger than those found in churches today, which
guaranteed they brought in more light. The large clerestory windows
often used tracery, a decorative type of stone support, and detailed
Biblical stories
POINTED ARCHES
 Pointed Arches were another critical feature of gothic architecture to
be both decorative and practical. The pointed arch was of a sturdy
little design that had a form that distributed the force of bulky walls
and heavy ceilings, which could offer more support than the formerly
used pillars. The gothic arch was of aesthetic value and beauty like a
workhorse, and it influenced other gothic designs like the vaulted
ceilings.

 Instead of the round arches, which were characteristic of the

Romanesque buildings, architects using the gothic style adapted the
tall thin pointed arches found in Islamic architecture. This profile
highlighted each cathedral's height by pointing towards the sky and
accommodating a vaulting in a similar shape.
VAULTED CEILINGS

 Ribbed vaulting is another art form during the Gothic period because
the pointed arch results involved barrel vaults-arches placed parallel
to one another and supported the rounded roof. These vaulted
ceilings used the pointed arch technology to spread and distribute the
weight and force from the upper floors, and they allowed ceilings to
be taller than they were before, providing an impression of height
and elegance. As a result of the force distribution within the vaulting
ceilings, the vaults could be constructed in different sizes and shapes.
FLYING BUTTRESSES
 The flying buttress is a gothic architecture feature that defines the
external characteristics and acts to spread the tall walls' weight. The
architects' used the flying buttresses to support the building's
structure by transferring the force to the ground. It was both a
decorative and practical element of history and was elaborately
designed.

 The flying buttresses gave a sense of movement and flight because

they seemed to sweep and dart around each building. Often, the
flying buttress was decorated with intricate carvings, giving it a
sense of grandness and importance.
THE GARGOYLES OF GOTHIC
ARCHITECTURE/ ORNATE
DECORATIONS
 As one of the most notable characteristics of gothic architecture and
ornate decorations, Gargoyles were decorative monstrous little
creatures that sat along the roof and battlements of gothic castles and
buildings. Gargoyles have two purposes, and one was to drain off
rainwater off the roof, gushing through their mouth then plummeting
to the ground. Another purpose was to strike fear in the ill-educated
peasants and scare them into the gothic cathedral or church.
 Gargoyles were one of the critical characteristics of gothic
architecture and had evil features and threatening poses that were
exaggerated and encouraged many to seek safety and solace in a
church or cathedral in the world marked with superstition and fear.
Other examples of ornate decorations included statues of saints and
historical figures, embellished colonnades and colonettes, pinnacles
and spires, and sculptural moldings.
 3)- CLASSIC
GOTHIC STYLE
AND GOTHIC A.
B.
Gothic Cathedrals
Gothic Styles

ARCHITECTUR
E, EXAMPLES
 A/- GOTHIC
CATHEDRALS
 1. NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS

Notre-Dame De Paris is one of the perfect examples of French Gothic architecture, where
construction began in 1163 and ended in 1345, and it is one of the famous and most prominent
churches in France. During the reign of Louis XIV and his son Louis XV, Notre Dame went
through massive alterations and also suffered some damage during the Second World war with
stray bullets damaging several glass windows, which were later remade after the war.
 2. CHARTRES CATHEDRAL

This is one excellent example of French Gothic Architecture, and it is also the best preserved in
Europe, dating from the 12th century and the mid 13th centuries. Today, it is a tourist attraction
and pilgrimage listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is assumed to house the
Virgin Mary's tunic.
 3. THE BASILICA OF SAINT-
DENIS

Considered one of the first Gothic-style buildings, and it officially became a cathedral in 1966.
Basilica Church of Saint-Denis is located in a Paris suburb, and the site it's built on was
previously a Roman cemetery, and the remains are still below the building. The Basilica of
Saint-Denis is both a pilgrimage and houses the tombs of most French Kings between the 10th
and 18th centuries. Abbot Suger, a friend, noted scholar, and advisor to King Louis VI and Louis
VII, led to the church's rebuilding.
4. THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH
OF MILAN
Cathedral Church of Milan, another example of gothic architecture, took around 600 years to
complete, with the construction beginning in 1386 and lasted until the 19th century in 1865. The
building work had to stall during the Second World War because of the allied bombing of Milan
and lack of funds, and it was finally completed in 1965.
The Cathedral Church of Milan is the third largest cathedral globally and is famous for its
forest of pinnacles and spires and the highly ornate facade. The forest of spires and pinnacles
design has purposes both for aesthetics and structure.
 5. ST. STEPHEN'S
CATHEDRAL

Stephen's Cathedral, an example of gothic architecture, is considered the most prominent

Gothic building in Vienna's entire city, where it is located, and it houses some of Vienna's art
treasures. Its current form is a combination of Gothic forms and Romanesque and was built in
1160.
 6. WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Westminster Abbey, an example of gothic architecture, is London's most well-known landmark,

an abbey church located in Westminster city in London. The abbey church was the regular place
of coronation for English monarchs for many centuries until the monastery was dissolved in
1539. Today it has remained among the most visited sites in London.
 7. AMIENS CATHEDRAL

This is the tallest cathedral in France and another example of Gothic

architecture built between the years 1220 and 1270, but minor works continue
till the year 1288.
 8. SALISBURY CATHEDRAL

Salisbury's cathedral is among the few fine Gothic architecture examples, both
a majestic building and a record-breaker. Built between 1220 and 1258, it
features the tallest church spire, the most significant cathedral close, and
Britain's largest abbey. Additionally, it houses one of the oldest working clocks
and one of the Magna Carta's original copies, essential for the UK and
democratic nations.
 9. REIMS CATHEDRAL

Also known as the Cathedral of Notre Dame at Reims, this cathedral in France
is among the most visited countries, with about 1,000,000 visits every year. It
was built using the High Gothic style in the 13th century and was built on
another church's location that a fire had destroyed. It is recognized as a
UNESCO Heritage Site since 1991, and it inspired the high gothic style which
appeared in the Holy Roman Empire rebuild.
 10. COLOGNE CATHEDRAL

This Cathedral took 600 years to complete, with construction beginning in

1248 was abandoned in 1473, and remained unfinished for 350 years, to be
resumed in the 1840s and was completed in 1880. The Cologne Cathedral was
the largest in Northern Europe and had the second-tallest spires built in a
Germanic Gothic style. The cathedral has witnessed several tank battles and
bomb hits, and it has been ongoing repair since after the war to date.
 11. YORK MINSTER

The York Minster west front is an example of English Gothic architecture with
tracery features on the main window. The York Minster also has stained glass,
which dates back to the 12th century, with the construction starting in 1220 and
completed in 1472.
 12. CANTERBURY
CATHEDRAL
Canterbury Cathedral is among the oldest churches with a long history dating
back to the 6th century, and it is located in England. The original church was
rebuilt between the years 1070 and 1077, but the east end was rebuilt again 100
years later because of the fire in the English Gothic Architecture style. The most
historical event of the Gothic Cathedral is the murder of Archbishop Tomas
Becket that took place there, and in 1988, it became a UNESCO site.
B/-GOTHIC STYLES
 13. RAYONNANT STYLE
The term Rayonnant was used to describe the French High Gothic architecture
between 1240 and 1350. Architects emphasized the use of a plethora of stained
glass, human-scaled buildings, and repetitive decorative motifs. The movement
was given its name by the radiating rays of light that flowed through the glass,
and the style was first developed with the Gothic architect Hugues Libergier in
the Abbey church of Saint Nicaise in Reims, France around 1231. A popular
example of this style is the Sainte-Chappelle (1242-1248), located in Paris,
which King Louis IX commissioned to hold his numerous holy relics.
 14. FLAMBOYANT STYLE
The Flamboyant Style developed from the Rayonnant style and insisted on
more extensive decorative effects by applying more curved shapes with an
overall effect of an exuberant and dynamic movement. A notable example of this
style during the gothic period applied in religious gothic architecture is the
Church of St. Maclou (1436-1521), located in Rouen, France. In England, the
gothic style was known as the Perpendicular Style, and in German, it was known
as Sondergotik or special Gothic.
 15. ILLUMINATED
MANUSCRIPTS
An illuminated Manuscript is a gothic style approach that became an essential
feature of the International Gothic style that combines religious texts with
painted illustrations. Giotto and Duccio’s work and Simone Martini of the
Sienese School influenced the gothic style and architecture.
The most notable example of this International Gothic style was the Les Tres
Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (1412-1416) by the Limbourg brothers. Tres
Riches Heures has a vivid color palette and some realistic scenes that marked
ordinary life and therefore celebrated both the secular life and, at the same time,
fulfilled a religious purpose.
 CONCLUSION

The late gothic architecture styles featured vaulted halls, and some
of the building in Europe was fabricated with stone. Still, Italian
Gothic used marble and brick instead; however, as gothic
architecture started declining, just as the Renaissance architecture
gained popularity in France, Italy, and Europe.